Ch. 141Foundation Angel, Containment Breach!
Chapter Summary: “Foundation Angel, Containment Breach!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Library Angela discovers that the Queen of Hatred emerged from the book because of a rift connected to another Angela.
- She realizes that the Angela accompanying Xiao Huasheng is an alternate-world version of herself, possessing the same core memories.
- Library Angela demands that Xiao Huasheng and Angela remain in the Library and become librarians. When they refuse, the two Angelas begin fighting.
- Both Angelas manifest the Silent Orchestra EGO, wielding identical orchestra scythes. Their battle is perfectly matched, reflecting their shared identity and memories.
- The Queen of Hatred joins the fight, but cannot distinguish between the two Angelas. She therefore supports whichever side appears weaker, unintentionally preserving the stalemate.
- Xiao Huasheng leaves the battlefield to seal the rift at the location identified by her crystal and compass.
- While crossing a management floor, Xiao Huasheng is detected and confronted by the Red Mist, who protects the Library’s core on Library Angela’s behalf.
- Xiao Huasheng attempts to negotiate but ultimately prepares to fight. The Red Mist attacks with the Mimicry EGO Gear, striking Xiao Huasheng repeatedly despite her speed and defensive abilities.
Character Developments
- Library Angela is shown to be possessive and pragmatic. She immediately seeks to recruit the visitors, treating them as potential librarians rather than simply allies or guests. Her willingness to fight another version of herself demonstrates her commitment to protecting the Library.
- Alternate Angela displays concern for Xiao Huasheng and acknowledges the danger of losing control while using the Silent Orchestra EGO. She asks Xiao Huasheng to help locate the safest area while she and the Queen of Hatred hold off Library Angela.
- Xiao Huasheng remains calm and trusting, quickly accepting that the two Angelas are connected. She takes responsibility for sealing the rift rather than remaining in the main battle. Despite her immense abilities, the Library’s conditions and the Red Mist’s speed force her into a defensive position.
- The Queen of Hatred acts loyally but comically ineffectively because she cannot tell the two Angelas apart. Her shifting support keeps the battle balanced.
- The Red Mist is introduced as an unflinching defender of the Library. Though she has prior grievances with Library Angela, she chooses to stand on Angela’s side when the Library is threatened.
Significant Themes
- Identity and alternate selves: The conflict between the two Angelas is a literal battle between different versions of the same person. Their identical movements and powers emphasize how shared origins can lead to divergent loyalties.
- Memory and individuality: Both Angelas possess the same memories, raising questions about whether identity comes from memory, experience, or chosen allegiance.
- Recruitment versus freedom: Library Angela’s immediate demand that the visitors stay and become librarians reflects the recurring tension between institutional control and personal autonomy.
- Conceptual conflict: The Angela-versus-Angela battle is not merely physical; it represents two sides of the same existence struggling against one another.
- Power and containment: The rift threatens the Library’s stability, making Xiao Huasheng’s sealing mission as important as the direct confrontation. The chapter also highlights the limits imposed by the Library’s environment, where energy cannot be replenished and Hume Index becomes significant.
Character Interactions
- Library Angela and the alternate Angela recognize their connection but immediately become adversaries due to their opposing affiliations.
- Xiao Huasheng interacts warmly with both Angelas at first, believing their shared memories could allow them to coexist peacefully.
- The Queen of Hatred attempts to assist Angela but becomes an unpredictable balancing force because she cannot identify the correct side.
- Xiao Huasheng and the Red Mist briefly attempt a peaceful resolution, but Red Mist refuses to let her reach the Library’s core.
- The chapter ends with Red Mist’s Mimicry blade and physical strength overwhelming Xiao Huasheng’s attempts to evade or block her, setting up a dangerous new confrontation.